NFPA 1500: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Fire Industry

When an emergency call rings, fire and EMS professionals are trained to rush to the scene, stabilize the situation, provide care to patients and save lives. However, personnel cannot always anticipate how incidents affect their mental health long after the emergency is over.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often a silent struggle – impacting 17 to 22 percent of first responders, compared to a lifetime prevalence of 1 to 8 percent of the general population. To encourage conversations about PTSD and improve individual’s understanding of mental health issues, TargetSolutions has released a dynamic new course: NFPA 1500: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Fire Industry.

With the goal of helping first responders recognize mental health issues within themselves and their company, NFPA 1500: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Fire Industry utilizes video-driven lessons to immerse learners and improve retention. This course features a video narrative of a first responder experiencing PTSD after losing a young patient. Following along his journey, each lesson addresses aspects of PTSD from different symptoms, to warning signs of suicide and getting help.

To help guide individuals through the course, an on-screen instructor also emphasizes key scientific studies and statistics that explain the extent of PTSD in the fire service. Additionally, mid-lesson quizzes keep learners engaged in the material and ensure comprehension of serious subject matter.

Course Objectives

This course is divided into 12 self-paced learning modules to cover all aspects of PTSD. Upon completing this course, personnel will have a better understanding of PTSD, how to cope with symptoms and suicidal thoughts and identify them in peers who may be struggling.

These lessons are presented as following:

The Extent of the Problem

The Origin of PTSD

PTSD Contributing Factors

Behavioral Health

Understanding Mental Health Disorders

Mental Health Warning Signs

Suicide Statistics

Suicide Warnings

The Role of the Company and Chief Officers

Getting Help

21st Century Task Readiness

Conclusion

References and Resources

For questions about TargetSolutions’ all-new course for PTSD, please contact us today!

If you, or someone you know, is in crisis, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)